City of Revelstoke opts for one garbage can per household limit

It will cost extra to put out more than one garbage bin going forward.

Garbage pickup rules are being changed so that residents can only put one bin for, with extras requiring tags.

The move comes as the City of Revelstoke sends out a request for proposals in order to contract out garbage collection, and as the Columbia Shuswap Regional District prepares to implement curbside food waste collection.

“Allowing one container would be sufficient for most households,” said councillor Gary Sulz, the chair of the city’s public works committee, during Tuesday’s council meeting.

Currently, residents are allowed to put out two 77-litre garbage cans every week, and are required to purchase tags for any extras.

A staff report, which can be read below, says the city sold 816 commercial tags last year and 277 residential.

The new rule means tags will have to be purchased for the second can or bag. Penny Page-Brittin, the city’s environment coordinator, said that while it was difficult to track, the majority of households only put out one bin.

According to a report by Page-Brittin, the amount of garbage collected by the city has been reduced by 184 tonnes since curbside recycling was implemented in 2010. “A reduction in the amount of garbage permitted on the curb may encourage people to think about what they put in the garbage and encourage more recycling and/or backyard composting,” she wrote.

“I think this is the way to go,” said Mayor Mark McKee. “One can is the way of the future.”

Council also voted to issue the RFP to contract out garbage collection. The RFP allows for flexibility on the part of the bidder. Proponents can opt to follow the current collection system, with one garbage can per household.

The second option is for automated collection, where garbage would be collected from containers of a pre-determined size. The successful proponent would be required to provide the containers, which could be picked up using an arm from the garbage truck.

Alternate proposals are also being welcomed. “The City welcomes alternative proposals that result in a more efficient system, reduced environmental impacts including reducing access of refuse to bears and other wildlife, provide better customer service, and /or result in lower overall system costs, such as variation in the method of collection,” the RFP states.

“I think there’s a real opportunity to see if we can provide a service for cheaper,” said coun. Aaron Orlando.